Migrating to a VoIP service does not have to be an arduous task, so long as business remember to test the waters before diving in. Regardless of your business size, it is important to research the options available, not only to ensure that you are getting the best for your money – but also to make certain that the voice over IP solution is flexible should upgrades be needed later. We also highly recommend that you consider using a provider that offers a money back guarantee, like Nextiva.com.

Pay attention to the Quality of Service seal of approval: Given the extensive list of VoIP service providers available, many often seek out the cheapest rates. While price should be a factor in your ultimate decision, it should not be the only factor. Make certain that the provider chosen can provide Quality of Service (QoS). Look for the MPLS listing, this helps to provide clarity as to what type of service your business can expect. MPLS provides businesses with high-quality, dedicated lines that work to prioritize encrypted traffic.

Does the service fit?: Are you looking to upgrade the entire corporate system, or just add on some features? When it comes to making a voice over IP solution selection, the hardware used must be compatible with the capabilities of the service provider. Lean towards selecting a standards-based solution that will provide flexibility should upgrades be made in the future.

Test everything before finalizing anything: Prior to migrating to anew voice over IP system, it is extremely important to install, configure and test each of the features available; voicemail, greetings, call routing etc. In a staged environment, with temporary numbers. Adopting this practice will help to work out all of the kinks, so as to not interrupt normal business functions.

Train Your Staff: Make certain that the people who will be using the new voice over IP technology understand the basic operating functions, prior to the actual launch.

Hire a support crew: The SMB market may not have the in-house expertise required to manage a complex system, while the provider offers some support and expertise, it is important to have access to expert knowledge in the event of a disaster, or should minor technical assistance be needed.